18-Year-Old Model With Down Syndrome Makes Her Fashion Week Debut

Madeline Stuart, an 18-year-old model with Down syndrome, walked the runway at New York Fashion Week for FTL MODA on Sunday, a highly esteemed opportunity for any model to have in her career. Stuart follows in the footsteps of “American Horror Story” actress Jamie Brewer​, who walked in NYFW last season and became the first person with Down syndrome to do so.

The Australian model was put on the map earlier this year when modeling photos on her Facebook page went viral, and her career has since taken off.

During the show, Stuart wore a detailed white gown as well as a separates look comprised of a flowy printed tank and a pair of metallic shorts; both looks were designed by Hendrik Vermeulen​.

She also had her hair styled in a braided and crimped updo to accompany the intricate face paint makeup look.

In an interview with Cosmopolitan.com last month, Stuart’s mom said, “The thing I’d like people to take away from this is to not discriminate. Don’t judge a book by its cover. I would just like people to accept, love, and show kindness. That’s all this is about for us. The modeling is fun and everything, but it’s just a vehicle to get the message out. I think that’s why she’s done so well, is because this isn’t about us. It’s about fighting the fight for all the people out there that are a bit different that need to be loved.​”